2016 United States House of Representatives elections in California


The 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in California were held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, with a primary election on June 7, 2016. Voters elected the 53 U.S. representatives from the state of California, one from each of the state's 53 congressional districts. The elections coincided with the elections of other offices, including a presidential election, as well as United States [House of Representatives elections, 2016|other elections] to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate and various state and local elections. All seats in California retained their partisan control from the 2014 house elections.

District 1

The 1st district is based in inland Northern California and includes Chico and Redding. Incumbent Republican Doug LaMalfa, who had represented the 1st district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Jim Reed, attorney and nominee for this seat in 2010 [United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 2|2010] & 2012
    Eliminated in primary
  • David Peterson, accountability system developer and candidate for the 12th district in 2012 & 2014

District 2

The 2nd district is based in California's North Coast and includes Marin County and Eureka. Incumbent Democrat Jared Huffman, who had represented the 2nd district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Jared Huffman, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Erin A. Schrode, social entrepreneur

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Dale K. Mensing, cashier

Independent candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Matthew Robert Wookey, middle school teacher

District 3

The 3rd district is based in north central California and includes Davis, Fairfield, and Yuba City. Incumbent Democrat John Garamendi, who had represented the 3rd district since 2013 and previously represented the 10th district from 2009 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Eugene Cleek, trauma surgeon
    Eliminated in primary
  • Ryan Detert, engineer and entrepreneur

District 4

The 4th district is based in east central California and includes Lake Tahoe, Roseville, and Yosemite National Park. Incumbent Republican Tom McClintock, who had represented the 4th district since 2009, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Tom McClintock, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Withdrawn
  • Art Moore, business executive, management consultant and candidate for this seat in 2014

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Robert Derlet, physician
    Eliminated in primary
  • Sean White, solar instructor and author

District 5

The 5th district is based in the North Bay and includes Napa, Santa Rosa, and Vallejo. Incumbent Democrat Mike Thompson, who had represented the 5th district since 2013 and previously represented the 1st district from 1999 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Mike Thompson, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Nils Palsson, community builder and educator
  • Alex Poling, systems administrator

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Carlos Santamaria, business owner and consultant

District 6

The 6th district is based in north central California and includes Sacramento. Incumbent Democrat Doris Matsui, who had represented the 6th district since 2013 and previously represented the 5th district from 2005 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Doris Matsui, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Jrmar Jefferson, community volunteer

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Robert Evans, retired government auditor

Independent candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Mario Galván, teacher
  • Yuriy Seretskiy, software engineer

District 7

The 7th district is based in north central California and includes eastern Sacramento County. Incumbent Democrat Ami Bera, who had represented the 7th district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general

General election

Campaign

On May 10, Bera's father, Bob Bera, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of violating campaign finance laws, having made the maximum allowed contribution to his son's campaign in both the 2010 and 2012 election and then got friends and relatives to do the same. Bob Bera would then reimburse them, effectively circumventing campaign finance laws, funnelling $250,000 to the campaign. Ami Bera released a statement claiming to be unaware of his father's activity. He said, "I am incredibly saddened and disappointed in learning what my dad did. While I deeply love my father, it's clear he has made a grave mistake that will have real consequences for him. Neither I, no anyone involved with my campaign, was aware of my father's activities until we learned about them from the U.S. Attorney's Office." Bera also said that he returned the illegal contributions to the U.S. Treasury.
On August 18, Bob Bera was sentenced to a year in prison and fined $100,000. Bera's campaign manager said of the ruling, "This is one of the most difficult experiences of Congressman Bera's and his entire family's lives. Babulal Bera made a grave mistake and he now has to face the consequences of that."

District 8

The 8th district is based in the eastern High Desert and includes Victorville and Yucaipa. Incumbent Republican Paul Cook, who had represented the 8th district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Rita Ramirez, retired college professor
    Eliminated in primary
  • Roger La Plante, retired army sergeant
  • John Pinkerton, Victor Valley community college trustee

District 9

The 9th district is based in the Central Valley and includes the San Joaquin Delta and Stockton. Incumbent Democrat Jerry McNerney, who had represented the 9th district since 2013 and previously represented the 11th district from 2007 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Antonio "Tony" Amador, retired U.S. Marshal and general election candidate for this seat in 2014
    Eliminated in primary
  • Kathryn Nance, Stockton Police Sergeant

Libertarian candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Alex Appleby, manager and financial advisor

District 10

The 10th district is based in the Central Valley and includes Modesto and Tracy. Incumbent Republican Jeff Denham, who had represented the 10th district since 2013 and previously represented the 19th district from 2011 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Jeff Denham, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Robert Hodges, farmer

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Michael Eggman, farmer, small businessman and general election candidate for this seat in 2014
    Eliminated in primary
  • Michael J. "Mike" Barkley, accountant and candidate for this seat in 2014

District 11

The 11th district is based in the East Bay and includes Concord and Richmond. Incumbent Democrat Mark DeSaulnier, who had represented the 11th district since 2015, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Roger Allen Petersen, retired HR manager

District 12

The 12th district is based in the Bay Area and includes most of San Francisco. Incumbent Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who had represented the 12th district since 2013 and previously represented the 8th district from 1993 to 2013 and the 5th district from 1987 until 1993, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Bob Miller, retired electrician

Green candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Barry Hermanson, retired entrepreneur and candidate for this seat in 2012 & 2014

Independent candidates

Advanced to general
  • Preston Picus, teacher, author and coach

District 13

The 13th district is based in the East Bay and includes Berkeley and Oakland. Incumbent Democrat Barbara Lee, who had represented the 13th district since 2013 and previously represented the 9th district from 1998 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Sue Caro, retired realtor

District 14

The 14th district is based in the Bay Area and includes most of San Mateo County. Incumbent Democrat Jackie Speier, who had represented the 14th district since 2013 and previously represented the 12th district from 2008 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Angel Cardenas

District 15

The 15th district is based in the East Bay and includes Hayward and Livermore. Incumbent Democrat Eric Swalwell, who had represented the 15th district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Danny R. Turner, businessman

District 16

The 16th district is based in the Central Valley and includes Fresno and Merced. Incumbent Democrat Jim Costa, who had represented the 16th district since 2013 and previously represented the 20th district from 2005 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Johnny M. Tacherra, farmer, candidate for this seat in 2012 and general election candidate for this seat in 2014
    Eliminated in primary
  • David Rogers, small businessman

Green candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Richard Gomez

District 17

The 17th district is based in the Bay Area and includes Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Fremont, and Milpitas. Incumbent Democrat Mike Honda, who had represented the 17th district since 2013 and previously represented the 15th district from 2001 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Eliminated in primary

Libertarian candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Kennita Watson, retired quality engineer

Campaign

Khanna took no donations from PACs or corporations for his 2016 campaign, raising $480,500 from individuals associated with the securities and investment industries and $170,752 from individuals associated with the electronics manufacturing industry. All these donations were subject to the $2,700 individual contributions cap.

District 18

The 18th district is based in the Bay Area and includes Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Saratoga. Incumbent Democrat Anna Eshoo, who had represented the 18th district since 2013 and previously represented the 14th district from 1993 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Anna Eshoo, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Bob Harlow

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Richard B. Fox, physician and attorney

District 19

The 19th district is based in the South Bay and includes most of San Jose. Incumbent Democrat Zoe Lofgren, who had represented the 19th district since 2013 and previously represented the 16th district from 1995 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • G. Burt Lancaster, economic technology consultant

District 20

The 20th district is based in the Central Coast and includes Monterey and Santa Cruz. Incumbent Democrat Sam Farr, who had represented the 20th district since 2013 and previously represented the 17th district from 1993 to 2013, retired.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Casey Lucius, Pacific Grove Council member and national security professor

Peace and Freedom candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Joe Williams, hospital laboratory technician

Independent candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Jack Digby, ironworker
  • Barbara Honegger, investigative journalist and author
    Withdrawn
  • Matt Bruner

District 21

The 21st district is based in the Central Valley and includes Hanford and parts of Bakersfield. Incumbent Republican David Valadao, who had represented the 21st district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

District 22

The 22nd district is based in the Central Valley and includes Clovis, Tulare, and Visalia. Incumbent Republican Devin Nunes, who had represented the 22nd district since 2013 and previously represented the 21st district from 2003 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Devin Nunes, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Teresita Andres, retired business owner

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Louie Campos, accelerated instruction tutor

District 23

The 23rd district is based in the southern Central Valley and includes parts of Bakersfield. Incumbent Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who had represented the 23rd district since 2013 and previously represented the 22nd district from 2007 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Kevin McCarthy, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Ken Mettler, independent businessman
  • Gerald Morris, gun room salesman

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Wendy Reed, businesswoman and community advocate

District 24

The 24th district is based in the Central Coast and includes San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Incumbent Democrat Lois Capps, who had represented the 24th district since 2013 and previously represented the 23rd district from 2003 to 2013 and the 22nd district from 1998 to 2003, retired.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Justin Fareed, cattle rancher, businessman and candidate for this seat in 2014
    Eliminated in primary
  • Katcho Achadjian, state assembly member
  • Matt Kokkonen, financial planner and businessman
    Withdrawn
  • Tyler Gross, paralegal
    Declined
  • Christopher Mitchum, former actor, businessman, candidate for this seat in 2012 and general election candidate in 2014

Independent candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Steve Isakson, electronics engineer and businessman
  • John Uebersax, social scientist and biostatistician

District 25

The 25th district is based in northern Los Angeles County and includes Palmdale and Santa Clarita. Incumbent Republican Steve Knight, who had represented the 25th district since 2015, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Steve Knight, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Jeffrey Moffatt, tax attorney

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Bryan Caforio, attorney
    Eliminated in primary
  • Lou Vince, Agua Dulce Town Council member
    Withdrawn
  • Maria Gutzeit, Santa Clarita Water Board member
  • Evan Thomas, test pilot, retired Air Force officer and candidate for this seat in 2014

District 26

The 26th district is based in the southern Central Coast and includes Oxnard and Thousand Oaks. Incumbent Democrat Julia Brownley, who had represented the 26th district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Rafael Dagnesses, business owner, entrepreneur and candidate for this seat in 2014

District 27

The 27th district is based in the San Gabriel Foothills and includes Alhambra, Glendora and Pasadena. Incumbent Democrat Judy Chu, who had represented the 27th district since 2013 and previously represented the 32nd district from 2009 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Jack Orswell, businessman and environmental consultant

Independent candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Tim Sweeney, business consultant and attorney

District 28

The 28th district is based in the northern Los Angeles suburbs and includes Burbank and Glendale as well as parts of central Los Angeles. Incumbent Democrat Adam Schiff, who had represented the 28th district since 2013 and previously represented the 29th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 27th district from 2001 to 2003, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Adam Schiff, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Sal Genovese, community services director and candidate for this seat in 2012 & 2014

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Lenore Solis, business owner
    Withdrawn
  • Casey Gray

District 29

The 29th district is based in the northeastern San Fernando Valley. Incumbent Democrat Tony Cardenas, who had represented the 29th district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

District 30

The 30th district is based in the western San Fernando Valley and includes Sherman Oaks. Incumbent Democrat Brad Sherman, who had represented the 30th district since 2013 and previously represented the 27th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 24th district from 1997 to 2003, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Brad Sherman, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Luke Davis, business owner
  • Patrea Patrick, documentary producer and author
  • Raji Rab, aviator and educator

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Mark Reed, television journalist, businessman and general election candidate for this seat in 2014
    Eliminated in primary
  • Navraj Singh, business owner
  • Chris Townsend, marketing sales advisor

District 31

The 31st district is based in the Inland Empire and includes San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga. Incumbent Democrat Pete Aguilar, who had represented the 31st district since 2015, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Pete Aguilar, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Kaisar Ahmed, retired educator

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Paul Chabot, former Naval Intelligence officer, former White House adviser, anti-drug activist and general election candidate for this seat in 2014
    Eliminated in primary
  • Joe Baca, former Democratic U.S. Representative
  • Sean Flynn, economist, businessman and educator

District 32

The 32nd district is based in the San Gabriel Valley and includes El Monte and West Covina. Incumbent Democrat Grace Napolitano, who had represented the 32nd district since 2013 and previously represented the 38th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 34th district from 1999 to 2003, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Gordon Fisher, businessman

General election

Campaign

In August, Hernández withdrew from the race, citing the fallout from his controversial divorce as the primary reason. He did, however, remain on the ballot.

District 33

The 33rd district is based in coastal Los Angeles County and includes Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Incumbent Democrat Ted Lieu, who had represented the 33rd district since 2015, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Kenneth Wright, physician and surgeon

District 34

The 34th district is based in central Los Angeles and includes Chinatown and Downtown Los Angeles. Incumbent Democrat Xavier Becerra, who had represented the 34th district since 2013 and previously represented the 31st district from 2003 to 2013 and the 30th district from 1993 to 2003, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Xavier Becerra, incumbent U.S. Representative
  • Adrienne Nicole Edwards, housing counselor and candidate for this seat in 2014
    Eliminated in primary
  • Kenneth Mejia, certified public accountant

District 35

The 35th district is based in the Inland Empire and includes Fontana, Ontario, and Pomona. Incumbent Democrat Norma Torres, who had represented the 35th district since 2015, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Tyler Fischella, business development associate

District 36

The 36th district is based in eastern Riverside County and includes Palm Springs. Incumbent Democrat Raul Ruiz, who had represented the 36th district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Jeff Stone, state senator
    Eliminated in primary
  • Stephan Wolkowicz, financial accountant
    Withdrawn
  • Dwight Kealy, attorney and former Marine intelligence officer
  • Lupe Ramos Watson, Mayor of Indio

District 37

The 37th district is based in West Los Angeles and includes Crenshaw and Culver City. Incumbent Democrat Karen Bass, who had represented the 37th district since 2013 and previously represented the 33rd district from 2011 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Karen Bass, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Chris Blake Wiggins, human resources recruiter

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Shariff A. Hasan, social entrepreneur

District 38

The 38th district is based in the eastern Los Angeles suburbs and includes Norwalk and Whittier. Incumbent Democrat Linda Sánchez, who had represented the 38th district since 2013 and previously represented the 39th district from 2003 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Ryan Downing, evangelist and community organizer

Independent candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Scott Michael Adams, structural engineer

District 39

The 39th district straddles the Los Angeles–Orange county border and includes Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, and Fullerton. Incumbent Republican Ed Royce, who had represented the 39th district since 2013 and previously represented the 40th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 39th district from 1993 to 2003, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Brett Murdock, former mayor of Brea

District 40

The 40th district is based in central Los Angeles County and includes Downey and East Los Angeles. Incumbent Democrat Lucille Roybal-Allard, who had represented the 40th district since 2013 and previously represented the 34th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 33rd district from 1993 to 2003, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Independent candidates

Advanced to general
  • Roman Gabriel Gonzalez, medical technician

District 41

The 41st district is based in the Inland Empire and includes Moreno Valley, Perris, and Riverside. Incumbent Democrat Mark Takano, who had represented the 41st district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Doug Shepherd, realtor
    Eliminated in primary
  • Randy Fox, businessman and pastor
  • Cody Ryan, fitness entrepreneur and investor

District 42

The 42nd district is based in the Inland Empire and includes Corona and Murrieta. Incumbent Republican Ken Calvert, who had represented the 42nd district since 2013 and previously represented the 44th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 43rd district from 1993 to 2003, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Tim Sheridan, attorney and general election candidate for this seat in 2014

Independent candidates

Eliminated in primary

District 43

The 43rd district is based in South Los Angeles and includes Hawthorne and Inglewood. Incumbent Democrat Maxine Waters, who had represented the 43rd district since 2013 and previously represented the 35th district from 1993 to 2013 and the 29th district from 1991 to 1993, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general

District 44

The 44th district is based in south Los Angeles County and includes Carson, Compton, and San Pedro. Incumbent Democrat Janice Hahn, who had represented the 44th district since 2013 and previously represented the 36th district from 2011 to 2013, retired to run for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Christopher Castillo, clerk and carpenter
  • Ronald Siegel, small business owner

District 45

The 45th district is based in inland Orange County and includes Irvine and Mission Viejo. Incumbent Republican Mimi Walters, who had represented the 45th district since 2015, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Mimi Walters, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Greg Raths, retired Marine colonel

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Ron Varasteh, scientist, engineer and businessman
    Eliminated in primary
  • Max Gouron, physician anesthesiologist

District 46

The 46th district is based in central Orange County and includes Anaheim and Santa Ana. Incumbent Democrat Loretta Sanchez, who had represented the 46th district since 2013 and previously represented the 47th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 46th district from 1997 to 2003, retired to run for the United States Senate.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Louie Contreras, businessman and realtor
  • Rodolfo Rudy Gaona, small business owner
  • Bob Peterson, Orange County sheriff's commander
  • Lynn Schott, educator, business owner and Irvine Council member

District 47

The 47th district includes Long Beach and parts of Orange County. Incumbent Democrat Alan Lowenthal, who had represented the 47th district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Andy Whallon, engineer and entrepreneur
    Eliminated in primary
  • Sanford Kahn, small business owner

District 48

The 48th district is based in coastal Orange County and includes Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. Incumbent Republican Dana Rohrabacher, who had represented the 48th district since 2013 and previously represented the 46th district from 2003 to 2013, the 45th district from 1993 to 2003, and the 42nd district from 1989 to 1993, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Suzanne Savary, retired business educator
    Eliminated in primary
  • Robert John Banuelos, congressional case worker

District 49

The 49th district is based in northern San Diego County and parts of southern Orange County. It includes the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Clemente. Incumbent Republican Darrell Issa, who had represented the 49th district since 2003 and the 48th district from 2001 to 2003, ran for re-election and won by a margin of 0.52%, making this the closest House race in 2016.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Independent candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • Ryan Glenn Wingo

District 50

The 50th district is based in inland San Diego County and includes Escondido and Santee. Incumbent Republican Duncan D. Hunter, who had represented the 50th district since 2013 and previously represented the 52nd district from 2009 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Duncan D. Hunter, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Scott Meisterlin, businessman

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Patrick Malloy, business owner and realtor
    Eliminated in primary
  • David Secor

Independent candidates

Eliminated in primary
  • H. Fuji Shioura, pastor

District 51

The new 51st district runs along the border with Mexico and includes Imperial County and San Diego. Incumbent Democrat Juan Vargas, who had represented the 51st district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Juan Vargas, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Juan Mercado-Flores, deputy sheriff

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Juan M. Hidalgo Jr., retired U.S. Marine
    Eliminated in primary
  • Carlos J. Sanchez, pediatrician

District 52

The 52nd district is based in coastal San Diego and includes La Jolla and Poway. Incumbent Democrat Scott Peters, who had represented the 52nd district since 2013, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • Denise Gitsham, attorney and former George W. Bush aide
    Eliminated in primary
  • Terry Reagan Allvord, small business owner
  • Jacquie Atkinson, Marine Corps veteran
  • Kenneth Canada, university professor
  • John Horst, planning group leader

District 53

The 53rd district is based in Central San Diego and includes La Mesa and Lemon Grove. Incumbent Democrat Susan Davis, who had represented the 53rd district since 2003 and previously represented the 49th district from 2001 to 2003, ran for re-election.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

Advanced to general
  • Susan Davis, incumbent U.S. Representative
    Eliminated in primary
  • Nicholas Walpert, business executive

Republican candidates

Advanced to general
  • James Veltmeyer, physician
    Eliminated in primary
  • Jim Ash, small business owner